Lawn diseases are often the most difficult to control and requires more constant monitoring of the grass, as many times, the issue can be misdiagnosed as some other factor, such as insect damage, weeds and even pet damage. Let’s take a look at two of the more common lawn diseases that can impact and potentially destroy your beautiful turf if left untreated or misdiagnosed. These two lawn diseases are somewhat similar at first glance, and equally destructive if left untreated.

Leaf Spot/Melting Out

Typically this disease occurs in early spring, with extended dry periods that switch to wet weather (such as snowfall and rain), but leaf spot can also appear in late summer. The disease is identified by brownish-purple lesions that are found on the actual grass blade. If left untreated, the lesions begin to expand into the further down the grass blade and become darker in color and eventually the leaves will turn yellow and fall off.

Dollar Spot

Dollar spot can occur throughout the growing season, especially if you are not fertilizing your lawn properly and continuously. This lawn disease appears as “spots” throughout the lawn and noticeable color changes from green to medium brown. If left untreated, the color change continues from medium brown to a bleached and can cause the grass affected to die.

Sometimes the issue may be as simple as watering your lawn more frequently, but other times, it may require additional services such as an aeration done to improve airflow into the soil, to the roots of the grass. As well as applying proper nutrients to your lawn to bring back its health. If you come across anything unusual with your grass, it is highly recommended that you contact a lawn care professional and have them come out to diagnose the problem.